Medway lost the bragging rights after visiting Gravesend took the honours 33-19 in Regional 2 South East.

Early rucks and phases were predominantly won by the visitors, who had travelled with a much bigger and heavier set of forwards. After 10 minutes they had Medway pinned in their own 22 before a catch and drive from a Gravesend lineout was executed with skill and precision. A penalty was conceded by the hosts and Gravesend opted for the scrum, pushing the home side back for a try and conversion.

Tactical kicking from the visitors enabled another clinical catch and drive deep in Medway territory. The second try was inevitable and the conversion made it 14-0.

Home fly-half Owen Church-Mills helped Medway on the scoreboard. He fed full-back Charlie Wardzynski who dummied and put winger John Sipawa clear for an unconverted try. However, another catch and drive did the job for Gravesend, with the extras making the half-time score 21-5.

The first try of the second half also went Gravesend’s way and as frustrations increased Medway received a yellow card. Yet another catch and drive after the hour made it 33-5.

The bigger Gravesend men began to tire at this point and prop Ryan Eastley offered strength and grit to score a fine team try that went through several phases. The extras made it 33-12.

Player-of-the-Match Max Bullock then went on a brilliant solo run before dummying his way to a first-class score. Again, the extras were added as Medway finished with a flourish.

On Saturday Medway travel to Sidcup, while Gravesend visit Cobham.